Outside the air can be chock full of pollutants and other toxins that can affect our air. When we are inside, we assume that we are completely safe from pollutants, but the truth is, pollutants can find their way into our homes. Either we bring pollutants in through our clothes and shoes, or the pollutants are found right in our homes. Some of the most common pollutants that we can find in our homes are carbon monoxide, radon, nitrogen dioxide, secondhand smoke, mold, asbestos, and lead. The things can be found in home cleaners, paint, our stoves, and our fireplaces, which makes it feel like we are not safe from any kind of pollutant.

Indoor air quality at home is so important in order to have fresh, clean air, so knowing that our homes can be full of different pollutants and contaminants can be alarming. However, there are ways to purify your air and get better home air quality. Because of this a lot of people ask, “How do I purify the air in my home?” The answer is that there are several things you can do in order to improve your home air quality. In this blog post, we will go over what indoor air quality issues there are, what you can do, and how you can measure home air quality.

Home Air Quality and Health

There are so many home air quality issues that it can be a bit frightening. Some of these things include odors within the home, indoor ozone, imbalances in humidity, stale air, allergens, bacteria, mold, household cleaners, and germs. A lot of people who want to tackle their indoor air issues, always ask, “What are the 4 major indoor air pollutants?” and the answer is mold, tobacco smoke, household cleaners, and gases like carbon monoxide and radon. These can seriously affect the quality of air in our homes, but there are things we can do. So what can you do about bad air quality? Here is a list of some of the things we can do to improve home air quality.

• Clean Your House: Not only will your house be clean but you will rid your house of dust, pollen, pet dander, and dust mites that can cause allergies and other issues.
• Use a Doormat: By placing a doormat right when you walk in, you can reduce the number of pollutants, dirt, and allergen that enter your home.
• Get a Dehumidifier: There are a lot of things like mold and dust mites that love moisture. This is because they are able to grow and spread a lot easier. By investing in a dehumidifier, you can control the humidity in your home.
• No Smoking: If you smoke or someone in your home smokes, do not smoke inside of your home. You can take it a step further by changing your clothes when you come in as to prevent secondhand smoke.
• Use Natural Cleaning Products: Some of the biggest culprits of home air quality issues are cleaning. You can get your home to smell good as well as being clean by using products that are all natural or less toxic.
• Test for Gases: The most common gases found in your home are carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and radon. To make sure you don’t have these floating around in your home, call someone to test for gases.
• Exercise Indoors: Not only do we breathe in pollutants when we exercise outdoors, but we track those pollutants into our homes when we are done. To prevent this from happening, do your exercising indoors.
• Download Outdoor Pollution Apps: Knowing what the pollution is like outside can help you find ways to avoid bringing that extra pollution into your home.

How To Measure Home Air Quality

People who are wanting to make a conscious effort to reduce pollutants in their home usually want to know, “How do you test the air quality in your home?” There are a couple of ways in which you can easily test and watch out for pollutants in your home.

• Invest in an air quality test you can do yourself.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors.
• Always be aware of an increase in allergies.
• Watch out for symptoms of dizziness, nausea, and fatigue.
• Take note of construction going on in your area.
• See if there is any mold in your home.
• Do an at-home test for radon.
• Invest in an air purifier.
• Invest in air filter.
• Change your air filters every two to three months.

If you want to take it a step further and hire someone to test your home air quality, that is a great way to determine if you need systems to rid your air of pollutants, allergens, and more. But who tests home air quality? You can call someone who specifically does air tests by searching online or you can call an HVAC company. A lot of HVAC companies are able to test your air and determine what kind of system you need for your house. Just like you wouldn’t call an amateur to install a PVC pipe, you wouldn’t want to call someone who doesn’t have experience with testing home air quality. If you would like services for indoor air quality in Orange, CA, please call Elite HVAC at (714) 464-6622 for help!

As a residential property owner, you likely have heard that you need home heater maintenance on an annual basis. Despite the existence of this commonly accepted wisdom, few homeowners take their HVAC maintenance needs seriously. This is a major mistake, and can lead not only to costly repairs, but possibly the failure of your furnace when you need it the most. After all, one aspect of proper furnace maintenance is the determination of whether your unit can withstand the heightened needs of its service on the coldest days. At Elite HVAC, we help ensure that the furnaces of our clientele can keep up with any demand.

One issue we frequently encounter as HVAC professionals is a homeowner’s drive to make repairs or perform maintenance on their own. While some small repairs are perfectly fine to attempt on your own, we strongly discourage DIY furnace maintenance. This becomes doubly true with a gas furnace, since improperly maintained devices can present a serious health risk. If you need home heater maintenance in Orange, CA, call us today at (714) 464-6622. We have affordable pricing for this indispensable service, and can offer exceptional work that ensures your comfort throughout this year’s cold season.

The Importance of Home Heating Maintenance

As stated above, home heating maintenance stands as one of your primary responsibilities as a homeowner. If you skip heating maintenance intentionally, or simply forget about it from year to year, you may have to deal with the following consequences.

• Unreliable or Uneven Heating Throughout Your Home
• Premature System Failure
• Higher Energy Bills
• Safety Concerns

As a furnace ages, it will naturally begin to develop problems that impact its ability to perform well. These can result from dirty air ducts, loose connections, worn parts, or any number of problems. As these issues accumulate, they will reduce your furnace’s effectiveness, and force it to consume more energy to render a comprehensive level of comfort. This increased energy demand will not only lead to higher gas or electric bills, but also put further wear on your system. This vicious circle can lead to premature system failure, a dire consequence that usually happens at the worst possible time: the coldest days of the year, when the demand on your furnace is at its highest.

Additionally, furnaces that do not receive maintenance can become safety hazards. With gas furnaces, problems with certain valves and connections can create a gas leak. Problems with your furnace’s venting can also lead to the entrapment of carbon monoxide in your home, an even more dangerous concern. For these and the reasons described above, you should absolutely schedule annual home heater maintenance with a service professional like Elite HVAC. If you do, you will enjoy the following benefits.

• Up to a 30 Percent Reduction in Your Energy Bills
• The Detection of Dangers Like Natural Gas and Carbon Monoxide Leaks
• Maintain Your Furnace’s Manufacturer Warranty
• A Safer, Warmer Home

How to Do Heater Maintenance Checklist

We strongly recommend that you entrust your home heater maintenance needs to a qualified professional. Despite this, there are some elements of heating maintenance you can do on your own. These items can help you narrow down a list of potential problems before you call for service, or help ensure proper functionality in the months between your annual maintenance appointment.

Check Your Thermostat: Turn up your thermostat, and listen for the sound of your furnace’s activation. If you hear this, and it continues to run for several minutes, your thermostat works properly. If it switches back off after a short period of time, you are dealing with an issue called short-cycling. This could be caused by a thermostat in need of calibration, or an overheated heat exchanger.

Forced Air Checklist: Most furnaces operate by means of forced air, the process where an HVAC pushes air through your ducts. If this sounds like the type of furnace you have, you need to keep the airways clean for proper functionality. Perform the following checklist:

• Check and replace your air filter(s) on a monthly basis.
• Ensure that a professional HVAC technician checks your ducts for damage or wear as part of regular maintenance.
• If your air registers are dirty, schedule professional cleaning of your air ducts.
• Make sure that your furnace technician cleans the combustion chamber and blower, and inspects the blower belt.

Common Questions About Home Heater Maintenance

How Many Years Does a Gas Furnace Last?

With properly scheduled maintenance and repairs, a modern gas furnace can last from 15 to 20 years.

How Often Should I Get My Furnace Serviced?

You should have your furnace professionally inspected and serviced once a year.

Why Do I Need to Service My Furnace Every Year?

Furnaces are high-demand appliances with a great number of moving parts, and the propensity to accumulate dust and debris from your home’s air. Furthermore, gas furnaces consume a type of fuel that’s toxic to breathe, and create an even more toxic substance, carbon monoxide, as a byproduct. For these reasons, regular maintenance is a dire necessity for both your furnace’s proper operation, and the health of you and your family.

How Do You Maintain a Furnace?

The most important thing a homeowner can do themselves to maintain a furnace is to check and replace the air filter on a regular basis. You can also pay attention to your air registers and call for duct cleaning should they appear dirty.

Is Do it Yourself Furnace Maintenance Safe?

No. Only a qualified professional can inspect your furnace for safety concerns like gas leaks, or the improper functionality that leads to carbon monoxide emissions in your home.

When Should You Replace a Furnace?

If your furnace requires repair more than once a year, or has surpassed the 20-year mark, you should go ahead and have it replaced.

Best Home Heater Maintenance in the Local Area

While we understand the “do-it-yourself” impulse, there are many home repair and maintenance tasks that simply demand professional service. When it comes to furnaces, especially gas furnaces, maintenance, repairs, and the installation of linked systems like a dehumidifying module necessitate professional aid. At Elite HVAC, we’re the local experts for home heater maintenance in Orange, CA. As an aspect of our maintenance service, we can make minor repairs right away, or offer an estimate for more complex needs. If we determine that you should replace your home’s heater, we proudly recommend a Bryant heating and air conditioning system. To schedule service or learn more about our company, give us a call at (714) 464-6622.

Most adults have fairly set habits when it comes to house cleaning. They may clean the whole house once a week, or simply address messes as they appear. Some people clean obsessively, while others do the bare minimum. Regardless of personal habits, there exist areas in every home that never benefit from a good cleaning. For some of these areas and appliances, cleanliness is vital. Ignorance in regard to its necessity can actually shorten the life of an appliance, or contribute to the spread of unsavory particles around the home. For an authentically, pervasively clean home, pay attention to the needs of the following.

Household Elements You Need to Clean

Cleanliness is next to godliness, and a clean home is a more attractive, comfortable place to live. However, many elements that need cleaning are commonly overlooked. Before this neglect leads to appliance failure or health consequences, break out the necessary tools and get to scrubbing.

• Air Ducts: Air ducts will gradually accumulate dirt, dust, mites, and more. Even worse, they will lead to the constant re-circulation of these particles around your home.
• Drains: Drains collect hair, soap, oil, and food particles. As these accumulate, most often in your p-trap, they can inhibit proper drainage and emit a foul odor.
• AC Coils: Your AC coils perform the actual creation of cool air. Throughout this process, they can become vulnerable to dirt and grime. Without cleaning, your coils will eventually fail, a consequence that leads to expensive repairs.
• Vents: As with your air ducts, your vents can accumulate and recirculate dirt, pet dander, and more.
• Washing Machine: Though it succeeds admirably in the cleaning of clothes, your washing machine cannot clean itself. If your clothes smell like mildew straight out of the wash, then your washing machine needs cleaning.

You should also include every household feature often touched, such as door knobs, remote controls, and lights witches. Each of these can become a haven for germs. While you can address almost all of these areas on your own, drains and air ducts need the benefit of professional work. Though they exist out of sight, your pipes absolutely deserve cleaning. If your drains seem slow, then you likely have an obstruction that requires clogged drain cleaning.

As for your HVAC, our air duct cleaning services can address one of the dirtiest areas of your home, and stop it from spreading dust, dirt, mites, and other unsavory elements. To schedule service from our team, simply call (714) 464-6622 for air duct cleaning. At Elite HVAC, we look forward to doing our part of your house cleaning.

Your air conditioning unit should never be leaking. If it is, this is indication of a serious issue. If left ignored, you could have major water damage as a result. If your central air conditioner unit is leaking, this could be a sign that your condensate drain tube is clogged. You would think you would need central air conditioner repair, but the drain tube connects to your water line, so you would need pipe leak repair. The condensate drain tube can get clogged with hair, soap, drain cleaner, sediment build up, dust, and more debris until it forms a huge blockage. If your central air conditioner unit is leaking in your Orange, CA home, call a Elite HVAC technician at (714) 464-6622 for repairs.

Why Is Your Central Air Conditioner Leaking?

• When the condensate drain pipe becomes clogged, it causes the HVAC system’s drain pan to overflow. This is why many people believe they have an air conditioner leak since they see water coming out of the air conditioning unit, but the clog is actually in the drain line attached to the water line.
• Over time, drain pipes can loosen and disconnect from the central air unit. This will still result in leaks, but an HVAC technician is needed to repair this since the drain pipe is part of the HVAC unit and broke this time, not the clogged water line.
• Floods can happen if the condensate pump becomes clogged or malfunctions.
• Clogged air filter or low refrigerant are sometimes caused by frozen evaporator coils which cause leaks.
• Improperly insulated ducts or cracked condensate drain pans allow air and water to seep through the gaps.
• If the drain line does not have a working p-trap and air vent, water backup occurs.

During these summer months, it is vital that your home’s air conditioner work at its best. These months get very hot and your air conditioner and your roof play a vital role in controlling the temperature and comfort of your home. However, many homeowners forgo having inspections during the year, leaving their systems vulnerable to damage and wear that could lead to a massive break down. To keep these systems at their best, it is important to have every aspect of your roofing and your ac checked out. Can you remember the last time your AC had an inspection?  While it may seem as though your AC only needs service in the moment of failure, regular air conditioner inspection and maintenance ensures all the parts run smoothly and can actually identify possible weakened or damaged areas, allowing your technician to remove and replace them. This service can even extend the life of your AC unit, as well as increase its function and efficiency. This means your system will work better while using less energy, saving you in the long run after you have inspection or maintenance.

What is the Maintenance on Air Conditioning?

When you call for inspection and maintenance, your HVAC technician goes through several steps to ensure everything works at its best. They assess each part of your air conditioner, making sure it is functioning correctly, check the levels of your AC’s fluids, and make sure nothing is dented. During this time, they will also clean everything to ensure no dirt or grime impedes how it runs and remove any debris from the same reason. This ensures there is nothing to stop up your system, there are no malfunctions and everything is in great condition. After you have maintenance completed by a professional, keeping the area clear of any dirt or issues can ensure that the maintenance and repairs last.

How Often Should You Change the Air Filter in your House?

Your air filters are a very important part of your home’s air conditioning system. Your technician might inspect these and bright them to your attention during the maintenance and service. Keeping these clean and replacing them as necessary can ensure your system continues to run smoothly and efficiently. How often do you need to replace these? Depending on the area you live in and whether or not you have any pets in the home, it can range anywhere from 60 to 90 days. This may be reduced to a shorter period of time if you have allergies or if it is a particularly high allergy month. Make sure to take time to check out your filters every so often to determine if they are in need of replacement and how your AC is doing.

Quality AC Services

An air conditioner service can ensure your home stays comfortable all summer long, giving you and your loved ones clean air to breathe and cool air to relax. Elite HVAC is your source for quality air conditioner inspection, maintenance and repair services in Orange, CA. Let our team of experts get started on your system needs today. Reach out to us at (714) 464-6622 and speak with our technicians for an appointment.

There are so many systems that can help you improve your air quality, but knowing your own symptoms can tell you what unit to shop for to get the best breathing you can. Here is what humidifiers, air purifiers, and air filters do to improve improve the quality of your indoor air.

Humidifiers

If you have bad allergies where you are constantly blowing your nose and end up with dry nasal passages or nosebleeds, humidifiers are extremely beneficial. They pump water into the air to keep it moist and so when you breathe in, you breathe in moist air, and not dry air that will further irritate your already sore nose.

Air Filters

Whole home air filters are the most common form of air quality that homeowners have, as it benefits everyone. Not everyone appreciates moist air as they don’t have dry noses and don’t need a humidifier and some don’t feel the physical symptoms of gases that cause headaches and don’t need air purifiers. Air filters remove things that make everyone sneeze whether they are allergic or not, like dust, pet dander, and regular allergens, therefore benefiting everyone in the household.

Air Purifiers

While air filters remove physical irritants floating around in the air like pet dander, allergens, and dust, air purifiers remove invisible irritants like gases. This can be smoke, toxins, and natural gas that can cause headaches and nausea.

If you want yo improve your air quality in your Orange, CA home, call Elite HVAC at (714) 464-6622 today.

Summertime can be difficult on your home’s energy efficiency. Depending on many factors, your utility bills can skyrocket. Many homeowners actively look for ways to increase their home’s efficiency during this time. Elite HVAC understands how tricky the summer heat can be, which is why we have compiled a few ways you can increase your home’s efficiency while improving your AC function.

Home Energy Efficiency Tips

Refresh Your Insulation – Insulation helps control how your home retains its air and prevents the outside environment from affecting it. Check your insulation to ensure it is preventing drafts and replace as necessary.

Utilize Your Blinds – Natural light in a home is nice, but it can also allow the sun to heat up your home, making your AC have to work harder. You can use your blinds to control how natural light enters and affects your home.

Turn on Your Fan – Your fan can help your AC cool your home quicker. Turning on your fan allows the cool air to disperse quicker throughout your rooms, meaning your AC does not have to work as hard.

Get a Programmable Thermostat – Programmable thermostats are fantastic, as they allow you to set and control the way your AC cools your home. With one of these, you can ensure your AC only works when you want it to, which prevents it from running while people are out of the home.

Keep in mind if your AC is damaged or an older model, it may become less energy efficient as the years pass. You may want to upgrade to a more recent model. These newer systems may be EnergyStar rated so you can guarantee that they will help your home become more energy efficient. Elite HVAC provides you with quality systems and installation for your needs. Reach out to our experts in Orange, CA today at (714) 464-6622.

 

If you have ever spent a hot summer day sitting inside a home or building without air conditioning, it is definitely an experience you do not want to relive. With spring kicking into full gear, and summertime on its way, it is important to learn about some common A/C problems and a few tips on how to avoid repair problems.

Water Leaks from the A/C

If your home may not be getting the proper cooling and may start to feel warm, this can be a sign that your air conditioning unit is leaking and needs repair. If left unchecked, water leakage can lead to more serious issues like mold and milder growth. So it is important to check the A/C unit for any debris or trash buildup as this can often cause airflow problems within your heating and cooling system.

The Air is Blowing, but isn’t Cold

If your home or building feels warm or hot even with the air conditioning running on high this can be the result of a number of issues. Try changing the air filter if you have not done so already.  You might need a new air filter if your thermostat is set all the way  to the coldest temperature and you do not feel a difference in your home’s climate.

The Air Conditioner Stops Working

If your A/C unit has stopped working or unexpectedly shut down, the thermostat batteries might be dead and may need to be replaced. Make sure to check that the thermostat is in the cooling position. If the thermostat is not the problem, double check that the circuit breaker is set to the “on” position. If the problem still persists, contact us at (714) 464-6622.

Regular Maintenance is KEY

Most of the common problems that an air conditioner system experiences can easily be prevented with regular repairs and maintenance. Have one of our trained, licensed and professional technicians at Elite HVAC come and inspect your home or building’s air conditioning unit every spring to ensure that your system keeps running smoothly and efficiently.

So if you need dependable, honest, quality A/C service in Orange, CA do not hesitate to call our team at Elite HVAC now at (714) 464-6622 and schedule your A/C inspection service today!

 

Like any appliance, your air conditioner will have a limited lifespan. Though you can extend this period of service through regular maintenance and repairs, the day will eventually come when you need replacement. A new air conditioner represents a serious investment, however, and the decision for replacement should not be made lightly. In order to tell whether your system needs replacement, look for the following signs.

Freon Usage

The federal government has decided to phase out the use of Freon for air conditioners. The new refrigerant, R410A, provides more efficient cooling to save energy on an everyday basis. If you have repair needs for your AC, and it still uses Freon, you should go ahead and have it replaced.

Old Age

Once an air conditioner passes 10 years of age, its repair needs will increase. The ultimate lifespan for a well-maintained air conditioner lands at around 15 years. However, if you’ve used the device for a decade, and have suddenly begun to experience more problems than the past, your system likely needs to go. As a general rule, if any repair need exceeds half the cost of a new unit, go for the replacement.

Inefficient Operation

An air conditioner that struggles to do its job should get replaced with a newer model. A variety of factors, most related to age, will reduce the energy efficiency of your older unit. Newer models will boast considerable advancements in energy efficient technology, and will save you money every month on your energy bills. If you’ve higher bills or rooms that never seem cool enough, think seriously about the benefits of a new air conditioner.

At Elite HVAC, we are your local source for a new air conditioner in Orange, CA. The benefits of a new system cannot be overstated, especially if your current system has passed the decade mark. To learn more or schedule service, give us a call today at (714) 464-6622.